Uruguay vs. Russia: Team News, Live Stream, TV Info for World Cup 2018

Hosts Russia were widely expected to flop at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They went into the tournament on the back of a seven-game winless run, and reaching the knockout rounds looked something of a pipe dream.

After a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia and a 3-1 victory over Mohamed Salah's Egypt, Russia have not only made it through to the last 16 but have also impressed hugely while doing so.

Monday's clash with Uruguay at the Samara Arena is effectively a play-off to see who will take top spot in Group A. Russia are in the driving seat, as they can afford to draw thanks to their remarkable goal difference.

On paper, Monday's game is straightforward. Uruguay are a high-quality side boasting a staunch defence and a remarkable attacking unit that includes Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

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Russia, meanwhile, at No. 70 in the world, are the lowest ranked side in the tournament.

However, while Russia have made light work of their Group A opponents, La Celeste have laboured to two 1-0 victories.

It will be interesting to see how both sides approach Monday's clash.

Russia have been the most prolific side at the tournament but against relatively weak opposition.

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8 - Russia's eight goals in the first two #WorldCup games is a joint-record for a host nation (Italy 1934 also 8). Party. https://t.co/YFzzMcFid6

In Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin, Uruguay have one of the most accomplished centre-back pairings at the World Cup and they will likely be confident of keeping the hosts out.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side only need a point to top the group, though, so they may opt to sit back and look to Denis Cheryshev, Aleksandr Golovin and Artem Dzyuba to be clinical on the break.

The other consideration is whether either Uruguay or Russia will actually prefer to finish top of the group.

Portugal and Spain are likely to finish first and second in Group B, but it is not yet clear in which order.

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All to play for in Group B for #POR #ESP and #IRN in the final round of fixtures...
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La Roja are the team to avoid because, despite the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal look fallible. But they may still top Group B. In which case, finishing second in Group A may be the preferable scenario.

In all likelihood, though, Russia will be eager to maintain the remarkable momentum they have gained throughout the tournament.

And incredible though it would have been to suggest as much before the tournament started, the hosts have a chance of beating a Uruguay side that has yet to hit its stride.